By averaging eighteen months per position for over twenty years, it
clearly makes me a generalist. Being a generalist was great for my old
company, but for many companies, getting hired happens when you’re a
specialist. I had several experiences in past roles where I had some expertise.
During the job-search process was not a time to be shy about that
expertise. There are few times in life where it is necessary to stand on the
rooftop saying, “Look at me,” and looking for a job is one of them.
There is a professional way to do this, however. You can give context
and examples, but if you are not comfortable talking about your accomplishments,
there are plenty of people out there who will have the advantage
because they have no problem singing their own praises. I teach a session
called, “It’s Not Bragging if It’s a Fact.” Without being braggadocios,
individuals can successfully talk about their accomplishments and bring
them to life off the pages of the résumé. It’s important to talk about how
you can resolve conflict and work in a team setting, but it’s also important
to talk about your individual contributions in driving a business forward.
You must talk about what made you a specialist and how that can set you
apart from the competition. Have it come to the forefront with specifics.
There’s no “I” in team, but there is an “I” in interview, so make the most
of it and learn to humbly—but confidently—speak about your accolades
as a specialist.
Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):
- Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
- Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
- Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
- The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
- From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
- The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood
See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com